Our sense of smell can evoke powerful emotion and reaction. We’ve all walked into a home filled with the aroma of freshly baked cookies and immediately felt warm, cozy and hungry. No doubt you’ve been tempted to try a new fragrance because of the scent strip added to a magazine ad. Some smells make us […]
I love business. I love small business owners. I love seeing them succeed. I love the way smaller businesses try new things, challenge the status quo, work hard for every buck. But I hate it when they make stupid mistakes that make it impossible, and I mean impossible, to buy their product.
At 10 a.m. one […]
Two years ago, after 18 years in business, we wrote our first business plan! Okay, better late than never, but what took us so long? Well, I guess we just didn’t see any real value in taking the time to think our business through, put ideas in writing and then really commit to the plan. […]
Recently I read an article about a car dealership that approached customers that were “just looking” in a different way—they didn’t approach them at all. In fact, when you walk into the showroom a receptionist asks if you need help. If you say “just looking” your handed a sticker to wear that says just that […]
Every accomplished businessperson will tell you that image and brand are key to their success. A great product at a great price is, well, great. But unless you represent a product or service that is so incredibly unique, one that people are clamoring to buy, marketing you is critical.
Small or large, every company needs a […]
Like many people, I’m addicted to decorating magazines. I have files full of magazine pages meant to be used to design a dream home that, quite honestly, may never be. But I like to go through those files when I need inspiration on much smaller projects, like when I really want to gut and remodel […]
A couple of weeks ago I was speaking to a client on the phone about a design project that we were working together on and she mentioned her company was revising their web site. I asked if they had already contracted with a web developer and if not, could we discuss this project and submit […]
Whether you use a card file or a computer program (CRM software) to maintain your client contact information, add personal notes such as spouses or children’s names, awards they have won or vacation plans that they shared with you. Your notes can help trigger conversation starters and will help you show clients that it’s not […]
If you’re like many businesses you spend most of your marketing time and money on securing new clients and customers. But statistics say that 60% of your revenue is coming from existing accounts. Don’t believe me…go ahead and check your sales from 2005 and see what percentage of sales came from repeat customers versus new […]
Take advantage of local events and organizations like the Chamber of Commerce to get your name out. Membership fees are usually affordable and access to other members is unlimited. Networking through local groups helps lend credibility to new businesses and may make you the community expert in your field.